Overconfidence, rudeness, and arrogance – that is how the internet has described 10-year-old Ishit Bhatt after his short stint on Kaun Banega Crorepati 17. What should have been a moment of delight on India’s favorite quiz show turned into a social media trial, with hashtags calling him ‘the most hated kid’ trending across platforms.
Bhatt, a fifth-grader from Gujarat, displayed remarkable intelligence and quick wit. But his sharp answers were often wrapped in a tone that felt more mocking than innocent. Viewers were stunned by the way he addressed Amitabh Bachchan – the most revered elder in Indian entertainment – with casual interruptions and an almost dismissive air.
For once, even the unflappable Big B appeared taken aback. In a subtle display of restraint, he chose not to admonish the boy or even remind him gently about the lifelines available. The silence said it all – sometimes, dignity responds best with distance.
When the applause turns into trolling
The internet, however, is far less forgiving. What began as light-hearted memes soon escalated into a storm of trolling and name-calling. The same digital space that celebrates child prodigies can turn viciously against them in minutes.
The young contestant, who may have thought he was being clever or playful, found himself vilified overnight. Reports suggest that Ishit later reflected on his conduct, expressing regret for his tone and manner. The experience, though harsh, could serve as an early lesson in how the world perceives behaviour as much as brilliance.
When a 10-year-old boy becomes the target of nationwide ridicule, it raises another uncomfortable question: are we teaching children humility, or are we grooming them for social media applause?
Arunodai – the contrast that still shines
Compare this with Arunodai Sharma, the nine-year-old wonder who sat on the same hot seat during KBC 13’s kids’ special. He too was quick, bright and articulate – but carried his intelligence with grace. His spontaneous compliment to Amitabh Bachchan (‘You look better now than when you were younger’) was mischievous but endearing, not mocking.
Big B, visibly amused, broke into laughter. There was warmth and affection, not awkwardness. Arunodai left the show with Rs 12.5 lakh – and with the affection of an entire nation that still remembers him as the boy who charmed the Big B without ever crossing the line.
The million-dollar attitude
Across the globe, in a different era and language, another contestant gave us a tutorial in composure. John Carpenter, a 31-year-old IRS officer, became the first person to win $1 million on the American Who Wants to Be a Millionaire in 1999.
He did not boast, did not seek attention, and did not use a lifeline until the very end. When he finally did, it was to call his father – not for help, but to tell him calmly, ‘Dad, I don’t need your help. I just wanted to let you know I’m about to win a million dollars.’
No arrogance or drama, just assurance and quiet pride – the kind that leaves a lasting impression rather than a fleeting headline.
What needs to be done
Children like Ishit Bhatt are growing up in a world where confidence is often mistaken for character and media exposure for maturity. The lines between self-assurance and insolence have blurred, especially when applause comes faster than correction.
What they need is not trolling or public shaming, but mentoring – from parents, teachers, and society itself. If guided right, Ishit could well become a success story – not as the ‘arrogant kid from KBC’.
The real jackpot
In the end, Kaun Banega Crorepati remains not just a quiz show, but a mirror. It reflects not only what contestants know, but how they carry that knowledge.
Arunodai Sharma showed us how intelligence can sparkle with innocence. John Carpenter showed how composure can make triumph timeless. And Ishit Bhatt, unintentionally perhaps, reminded us that humility is the real million-dollar answer.
